Thomas Eckschmidt's Page

A Feed Barley with Better Disease Resistance and Bigger Yield? Yes, Please

After nearly three decades of barley breeding ups and downs, one thing remains constant: the need for varieties that deliver under western Canadian conditions. That’s why TR22669 — a new semi-dwarf, two-row hulled feed barley — has researchers talking. Recently registered by Western Crop Innovations after three years of testing, TR22669 was initially developed as a potential malt line. The cross was made back in 2014 by breeder Oriana Grace, and while it didn’t quite make the cut for malting quality, it proved too promising to leave on the bench. “We saw some really strong agronomic traits,” says John Bowness, the senior research associate leading the program. “So instead of walking away, we registered it as a feed variety.” Designed for High-Input Success As a semi-dwarf, TR22669 is bred for performance in high-management systems — think high fertility, manure-heavy fields, and irrigated acres. That puts it in the same playing field as varieties like Esma and Suresh, which have see

GIFS at USask study shows Western Canadian farmers produce barley and oats with lowest carbon intensity

A new comparative carbon footprint study of barley and oats production shows that Saskatchewan and Western Canadian farmers are producing these crops with the lowest carbon intensity relative to other jurisdictions in the study. The study, commissioned by the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), compared barley and oats produced in Saskatchewan, Western Canada, Canada and international competitors – Australia and France for barley and Australia, Finland, Poland and Sweden for oats. “The results from our oat and barley report further reinforce the productive sustainability of Western Canada’s cropping system,” said GIFS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Steven R. Webb (PhD). “These findings are consistent with previous studies on non-durum wheat, durum wheat, canola, lentils and field peas we announced last year. It’s a clear story of innovation—demonstrating that Canada’s advanced cropping systems continue to drive sustainable productivity.”

Feed Testing: A Tool for Better Returns

A recent survey of more than 300 cow-calf producers across Western Canada showed only 59% of respondents had used lab-based feed testing at least once in the past three years. Among those who hadn’t tested, two-thirds believed it wasn’t necessary because their animals appeared healthy. However, subclinical nutrient deficiencies such as inadequate energy, protein or minerals can go unnoticed while quietly reducing animal performance, leading to reduced profits. Additionally, forage quality can vary significantly within a field and from year to year. While feed testing may seem like an additional expense, the investment pays off by allowing producers to make informed decisions about ration balancing, feed efficiency and herd health.  Below are three scenarios that highlight how feed testing can unlock cost savings or protect revenue in cow-calf operations.  Scenario 1: Lower Feed Costs While Maintaining Cattle Body Condition  Feed testing and ration balancing allows producers to confi

CFA and Indigenous group commit to collaboration and reconciliation

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) with the goal of building stronger collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous agricultural producers across Canada.

Canada to resume fall rules for U.S. romaine lettuce imports

Beginning September 25, 2025, Canada will reintroduce temporary import requirements for romaine lettuce originating from the United States. These measures, which will remain in effect until December 17, 2025, are part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) ongoing efforts to mitigate the risk of E. coli O157:H7 contamination in imported leafy greens during the fall season.